Equestrian and other sports at RDA's Causeway Coast Arena

Activities re-commence on Tuesday, September 14 – school groups attend on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings from 9.30 to 12.30 approximately.

Individuals attend on Tuesday and Wednesday from 6.30pm to around 8.30pm and Saturday from 10am to 12noon.

The RDA relies solely on volunteers to provide its equestrian based service.

Since the move to the new premises at the Causeway Coast Arena, the OWLS Multi-sports Club has been established to co-ordinate the provision of a number of other sports.

So for the incoming year RDA would welcome persons willing to help with a number of other sports – currently these include archery, bocce and new age kurling. Information on possible developments is available from Michelle or Janet at the arena – 028 7032 0147.

New sports people and helpers are invited to contact Michelle or Janet on 028 7032 0147, or to visit the Arena at the times listed above. However, it is a good idea to make contact earlier as some paperwork must be completed before anyone can take part.

In conjunction with the sporting activities at the centre, RDA Coleraine provides volunteers with an opportunity to gain a professionally recognised ASDAN qualification, in CVQ (Community Volunteering Qualification), levels 2 and 3.

This education scheme has been running since 2006, and has had many successful volunteers who have achieved the award and UCAS points. Indeed in the current year, several ASDAN Candidates have achieved their university place courtesy of their ‘extra’ CVQ points.

A condition of the course is that volunteers must volunteer a minimum of 30 hours over the course of the school year with RDA Coleraine.

Equestrian activities may include leading or side walking ponies, tacking and un-tacking, and general stable duties, but there is now a wider range of opportunities with the introduction of the multi-sports club.

All volunteers are trained in the appropriate range of skills at an induction session, and on an ongoing basis. The students undertake some written/practical work, and present a portfolio at the end of the programme.

If you are interested in registering with the programme for 2010-2011 contact the Youth Leader, Rosie Clyde, Tel: 028 703 20147; Email: [email protected]. There is a 50 ASDAN registration fee.